Dessie Nutt in his Porsche 911 heads a bulging entry for this weekend’s Killarney Historic Rally. Rapid Dubliner John Farrell heads the Post Historics in his RS2000 from Joe Connolly in a similar Escort. Millstreet’s John Moynihan heads the Classics, with Manxman Martin Freestone behind, both in Escorts. Steve Perez was to have been No.1 seed on the Killarney Historic, but has opted instead to contest the Grizedale Stages. Perez cites business reasons for his Killarney withdrawal, the Kerry event, with its extended ‘recce’, is now spread over 3 days.

Classic stages on the Killarney Historic include Molls Gap, Killmakilloge, Cods Head, Ardgroom and Tim Healy Pass. Billy Coleman has been re-united with an Alpine Renault and will perform course car duties. Paddy Hopkirk is a guest of honour.

Niall McShea’s steering wheel fetched over £2000 at a SPARKS dinner dance auction last Friday evening in Belfast. Andrew Nesbitt assisted Raymond Hill in the auction that raised an amazing £42,000 for the charity. F1 commentator and erstwhile rally star Tony Jardine hosted the glittering occasion.

Trevor Harding has sold his well known Ford Puma and has acquired a GpN Mitsubishi Lancer for next year. Trevor, from Cashel, is going to compete on the Galloway Hills this weekend as a shakedown.

Dublin’s George Tracey brought his Peugeot 206 WRC into 13^th o/a on last weekend’s Rally Du Var in Southern France, following a gearbox problem induced delay. Tracey and his Swedish lady co-driver Maria Andersson are competing on this weekend’s Killarney Historic in George’s RS2000.

Sadly Gerard Horgan, who has been the deputy Clerk of the Course of the Killarney Rally of the Lakes for many years, has died following a tough battle against illness. Gerard was 47 years old, and extremely highly regarded in the community as well as in rally circles. He had a quiet nature but commanded unswerving respect through his great technical grasp and his lovely soft, gentlemanly way of doing things. He will be sorely missed. To his family and friends we offer our deepest condolences.

Brian Patterson.